
BARREN MflRES. 



V 

BY C. C. LVKORE). 



^ 



ARTICLE READ BEFORE UNITED STATES VETERINARY MEDICAL 
ASSOCIATION, D. C, SEPT. 16tH, 1891. 



BARREN MARES, 



By C. C. LYKORO, 

/! 
M. O.. B. S., D. V. S. 



COPYRIOHTED. 




MINNEAPOLIS, 

MOFFETT & THURSTON, 

PRINTERS. 



^ 



p [Article read before the United States A'eterinary 'Medical As- 

sociation, at Washington, D. C, September 16, 1891.] 

BARREN MARES. 



BY C. C. LYFOIM). 



^HE subject of Sterility or Biirrene.ss in Mures is of vastly 
greater iniportaiice than one would at tirst sight be led 
to suppose. Only those who are actually engaged in the 
l)reeding business or are professionally called to treat such 
cases can comprehend the extent, as well as the serious nature 
of many of these complications. Besides, from a pecuniary 
point of view, it is of the greatest importance to the owners 
of stallions as well as mares, as very often the most valuable 
animals used foi breeding purposes are practically of no use 
outside of the harem, as a consequence, are a source of ex- 
pense without any returns ; when on the other hand there 
should l)e a source of revenue, often of the highest character. 
Successful fecundation is generally looked upon as a 
sure result of coupling the male and female sex at a certain 
period. Fleming says "Successful fecundation, however, is 
not always the case, and in some species, particularly the 
equine, sterility, temporary or permanent in the female is 
far from being uncommon, and is sometimes serious." The 
same writer says that in the studs of France, the fruitful 
mares are 59.57. At the haras of Pin, during a period of 
twenty years, there was a percentage of 68.27 fecund mares, 
abortion 5.00. This would leave about 64.82 to have colts. 
These figures indicate that only one half or, at the most, 
two-thirds of the mares produce foals. Quoting from Flem- 
ing's Obstetrics, "Sterility may depend upon organic or 



pliy.sicul causes, and uiay amount to permanent impotency, 
more particulurly when congenital, and located in the gen- 
erative apparatus. Monstrosities, hermaphrodites, animals 
in which one or more important organs of the sexual appara- 
tus are absent, and Hybrids, are generally permanently 
sterile." 

"Prolonged continuence and old age are not vmfrequent 
causes of infecundity, as is witnessed in mares which have 
worked in towns, and then been transferred for l)reeding 
purposes. It may likewise ])e due, though temporarily, to 
premature or tardy coition, where the generative organs are 
not in a physiological condition for conception, or where 
they are in an irritable, abnormal state. Underfed or over- 
fed animals generally do not breed so readily as those which 
are in moderate condition ; fat animals are especially un- 
fruitful. Excitable, vicious mares are less likely to pro- 
create than those which are of an equable and gentle dispo- 
sition. The latter are often impregnated at one attempt, 
and it has been observed that with mares accustomed to 
work, active exertion, even to produce fatigue before being 
put to the horse, is favorable to conception. So it is that 
the Aral) submits his horse to a severe gallop, and brings 
her almost breathless before the stallion, when, the act be- 
ing accomplisliod, he leaves her quietly at rest for some 
hours." 

1 liavt" known of one case where of a litter of six l)oar 
pigs, four were fed sugar and molasses to hurry up growth; 
after which all four proved to be barren, while the two 
that were turned out on ordinary feed were productive. 

Again various diseased conditions of the generative 
organs, as well as general derangements, may also prove an- 
tagonistic to fecundity. There ma}^ be disease or alterations 



in the Ovaries, Fullopifiii Tiil)es, Uterus or Viiginu, which 
^vill hinder conception, and if any material obstacle to the 
contact of the spermatic tluid with the ovule be present in 
these parts, fecundation cannot take place. Tumours of 
various kinds in this region are not an infrequent cause of 
sterility. 

liuefl' and others have observed an imperfonite, dense 
and tough hymen to be a cause of infecundit}' in the mare. 
"In all of these conditions a careful examination should 
be made as remov^alof the obstacle to generation may be quite 
within the sco))e of surgical or medicaL measures. More 
particular!}' is this the case when tlie o])stacle is related to 
some abnormal condition of the cervix uteri, a circumstance 
more common than is generally supposed. In rare instances 
dilation may require to ])e effected by a cutting instrument, 
but this should never l)e resorted to until the simpler and 
safer means have failed. ' ' 

Before taking into consideration the disease to which 
the organs are subject, I will notice In'ietiy the anatomy of 
the parts both male and female, and their physiological 
functions. 

The male organs of o-eneration consists of the Penis, 
Avhich not only supports the greater part of the excretory 
urinary canal, but also transmits the sperm of the male. 
The Penis proper consists of the corpora cavernosuni ex- 
tending from and forming the bulb, tapering gradually at 
the anterior extremity of the penis, occupying the upper sur- 
faces, and divided by septem into two latteral halves, groved 
on its under surface for the corpora spongeosum and urethra. 
The corpora spongeosum encloses the urethra, extending 
from the crura posterior ))assing to the external extremity 
which expands to form the glands. 



FIGURE 1. 

Generative Organs of the Stallion with Arterial supply 

1. Posterior Aorta. 

2. External iliac artery. 
'^. Uiabilical artery. 

■i- Prepubic artery. 

5. Deep femoral artery. 

<). Posterior abdominal artery. 

T. Externial pubic artery. 

8. Subcutaneous abdominal artery. 

9. Spermatic artery. 

10. Testicle. 

11. Epididymis. 

12. A'as deferens. 

13. Penis. 

14. Anterior dorsal artery of penis. 

15. Urethi'al Tube. 

Ki. Posterior dorsal artery of penis. 

1 T. Suspensory ligament of the penis. 

18. Erector penis. 

19. Artery of the corpus cavernosum. 

20. Cowper's gland. 

21. Prostrate gland. 

22. Yesico prostatic artery. 

23. Sphincter An i. 

24. Retractor penis. 

25. Suspensory ligament of rectum. 

26. Vesicuhe seminalis. 

27. Rectum. 

28. Ureter. 

29. Urinary Bladder. 

30. Oblurator artery. 

31. Internal pubic artery. 

32. Posterior mesenteric artery. 
•33. Iliaco femoral artery. 

34. Gluteal artery. 

.■!5. Lateral sacral artery. 

•36. Last lumbar artery. 

37. Internal iliac artery. 

38, Second last lumbar artery. 














I ^J^ 


rl\ ' ' ^ 


m\ ' I ^< 




"ft \ : / ^- 


f % ' 


f 


( A.-« 


f. f' 


1 


;■ N. =<: 


iwf 


I 


' -v) 



FIGURE 2. 



Longitudinal section of tlie free extremity of the Horses Penis 
in a relaxed state. 



1 . Erectile tissue of the corpus cavernosum. 

2. Urethra. 

3. Fossa navicularis. 

4. Urethral tube. 

5. Erectile tissue of the Urethra, 
(i. Ditto of the g-lands. 

7. Corona Glandis. 

8. Urethral Sinus. 

9. Intcgament aud blood vessels of Penis. 




2 



FIGURE 3. 



Longitudinal section of the free extremity of the Horses Penis 
in an erect state. 



1 . Erectile tissue of tlie corpus cavernosuin. 

2. Urethra. 

.'1. Fossa navicularis. 

4. Uretliral tube. 

5. Erectile tissue of the Urethra. 

6. Ditto of the glands. 

7. Corona Glandis. 

8. I^rethral Sinus, 

9. 1 ntegament and blood vessels of Penis. 



FIGURE 4. 

Bladder and Interpelvic portion of Urethra, opened from below. 



1. Vas deferens. 

1. Bulbous part of the same. 

2. Peritoneal fold joining the vas-i deferentia. 

3. Bladder. 

4. Vesecula seminalis. 

5. Orifices of urethres. 

6. Prostate. 

7. Verumontanum with orifices of ejaculatory ducts 
S. Orifice of prostatic vesicle. 

9. Cowper's gland. 

10. Orifices of ducts of prostrate. 

11. Orifices of ducts of cowper's gland. 

12. Corpus cavernosum. 

1.3. Corpus spongeosum with urethra in its center. 



FIGURE 5. 

Generative Organs of the Mare, isolated and partly opened. 



1, 1. Ovaries. 

2. 2. Fallopian Tubes. 

.'!. Pavilion of tlie tube, external face. 

4. Ibid inner face, showing the opening in middle. 

."). Ligament of the ovary. 

i'>. Intact horn of tlie uterus. 

7. A horn thrown open. 

s. Body of uterus, upper face. 

!). Broad ligament. 

10. Cervix, with its mucous folds. 

11. Cul-de-sac of the vagina. 

12. Interior of the vagina, witli its folds of nuicous 

membrane. 

13. Urinary meatus. 

1-1. A'alve of urinaiy meatus. 

1."). Mucous fold, a vestige of the liymen. 

16. Interior of the vulva. 

17. Clitoris. 

18-18. Labia of the vulva. 

19. Inferior commissure of t he vulva. 



PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF 
COPULATION. 



It will 1k' noccs.sary to descril)e the phyj^iolooficul condi 
tions of copiiliition to show upon what depends the 
normal action of the respective organs, male and female, 
dnrino- the act of coition. That the male organ — the penis — 
should l)e erect is necessary, and that the glands should he 
very consideraldy enlarged from its normal state is also es 
sential. It will be seen, by reference to Figure 3, that the 
glands and penis assume the form and serves the purpose of 
a valve and piston. The enlarged glands should till the 
transverse diameter of vagina so com})letely as to withdraAV 
and expel the air, thus forming a vacuum within the cervix 
and uterus, and in case the cervix is kept sufficiently open 
and retained in the center of canal, either by natural or art- 
iticial means, so that the urethral sinus of the glands shall tit 
the corresponding posterior surface of the cervix, and that 
the projecting end of the urethral tube may approximate 
closely to, or even tit into the opening of the Os Uteri. 
Should no obstruction exist betAveen vagina and uterus these 
conditions assure a perfect injection of semen into cervix 
and uterus, and as the glands assumes its natural size and 
by its withdrawal from the vagina, allowing air to pass into 
the uterus, thus further assisting the access of semen. 

It is evident that a variety of influences may interfere 
with the performance of the natural process of feciuidity. 
For its accomplishment four thing are necesary : 

1st. The possibility of the entrance of semial. tiuid into 
the uterus. 



2n(l. Th(^ possibility of the prodaction of a healthy 
ovum. 

:Wd. The p()ssil)ility of the entrance of an ovum into 
the uterus. 

■ith. The absence of influences in utevo destructive to 
the vitality of the semen, and preventive of fixation of the 
ovum upon tlie uterine Avali. 

Should these four conditions exist no animal will be 
sterile, she may not bear a foal, l)ut the incapacity may at- 
tach to the nijile and not to her. 

The special causes of sterility, or those interfering- 
Avith these conditions, may thus l)e presented. 
1st. Causes pre\-kntix(^ extkaxce of semex ixto i itKuus 

a. Absence of the uterus or vagina. 

b. Presisting hymen. 

c. Vaginismus. 

d. Atresia vagina', or complete olditeration. 

e. Occlusion of cervical canal. 

f. Conical shape and elongated cervix. 

g. Patulous ()s, and flaccid or flabby condition of 

uterus. 
h. Endometritus or Leucorrhoea. 
i. Polypi, or Fibroids, 
j. Flexion of uterus and cervix, 
k. Very small Os Internmu. > 
1. A curtam of nieml)rane, either, or both, external 

or internal to cervix, 
m. Equine Spyhilis. 
2nd. Causes prevextixci the production of a iiKAi/rnv 

0VU3I. 

a. Chronic Ovaritis. 

1). Cvstic disease of both ovaries. 



c. Cellulitis, or Peritonitis obliteration of the Fallo- 

pian tubes. 

d. Absence of ovaries. 

e. Hemorrhage into ovaries. 

f. Undeveloped state of on aries. 

g. Atrophy of ovaries from old ace. 

3rd. Causes preventiisg passage of Ovum ixto Utekls. 
a. Stricture or obliteration of Fallopian tubes. 
1). Al)sence of Fallopian tubes. 

c. Detachments and displacements of Fallopian tubes, 
ith. Causes destrovin^g vitality of semex or prevext- 

ING FIXATIOX OF IMPREGNATED OvUM. 

a. Corporeal or Cervical Endometritics. 

I). ^Membraneous Dysmenorrhoa?. 

V. ^Mt'iiorrhagia or Metrorrhagia. 

d. Abnormal groAvths. 

e. .Vreolar Hyperplasia. 



1st CLASS. 

a. Absexce OF Uterus or Vagixa. 

I have met with but one case of absence of the uterus. 
During the summer of iST2, a young heifer showed signs of 
rut, and having a l)ull much larger than she was, it was not 
surprising to notice her look droopy after copulation, espec- 
ially as she was pushed through an ordinary board fence- 
The heifer was allowed to stand around and attend to her- 
self some three or four days, during Avhich time she contin- 
ually strained as if to urinate, occassionally passing a small 
quantity of blood. Having killed her on the fourth day I 
made an autopsy, finding the alKlominal cavity containing 
several gallons of urine ; a hole through the anterior portion 
of the bladder showing that the penis had evidently passed 



throiigfh the meatu.s uriiuiris rupturing the bladder. Two 
small oouiye.sted ovaries were found, l)ut no uterus. 

1). PuESiSTixii IIymex. 

I have met with quite a nuniher of cases of this kind 
and most of these were thicker than natural, some of the 
cases requiring considerable force to rupture the membrane. 

c. VArxi.viSAEUS or Hvperastiietic state of the Os 
uteri, which results in spasms of sphincter. 

These eases are l)y no means rare and are a common 
cause of sterility. It not only interferes with the entrance 
of the male organ l)ecause of the pain induced, but prevents 
the semnial fluid from getting into the uterus as the stallion 
in these cases is usualh' prevented from making a close 
cover, 

d. Atresia of the vagina is not very common in mares 
and then following laceration, or hy organization of intlani- 
itory lymph. (These conditions appear most commonly in 
cows ; more often following the tirst calf, than subsquent 
cases.) The treatment is generally unsatisfactory, requir- 
ing instrumental and surgical treatment, which is often of 
no avail. 

e. Occlusion of Cervix or Ivigidit}' of ()s Uteri. 
According to Fleming Occlusion of the ci'rvical canal 

may be dueto spasmodic conditions of the nuiscle and cervix. 
]f however, there l)e hypertroph}' disorganization or rigid- 
ity, then an operation will be necessary. 

Both rigidity and spasmodic condition of the Os Uteri 
are of very common occurrence and are liable to be associ- 
ated with many of the other troubles of the female genera- 
tive organs. The spasmodic condition may be simph" a 
consequence of irritation elscAvhere. This condition is 
most connnon in young mares that have never conceived, 



but I huve met with one euse of rigidity where the mare 
Avus twenty-three yetirs old, and was the dame of several 
colts. I have also met with tlie spasmodic condition in 
some cases dm'ing one heat, while at the next period it had 
entirely disappeared. This will, I think, account for many 
of the cases which liave been served repeatedly durino^ a sea- 
son and all at once conceive at a sino^le leap from another 
stallion or ever from the same one. 

f. Conical shape of Cervix and Elongated Os Uteri 
is a very connnon cause of infecundity. By its bendinji^ 
on itself it may not admit the seminal tluid through the can- 
al, and as a rule completely prevents it. This state of affairs 
not only causes trouble in the breedino; of mares but also in 
the human family. Thomas on Diseases of Women says, 
"^ly experience leads me very positively to the conclusions 
that, excepting eredomet ritis, this is the most connnon of all 
causes of sterility and fortunately one of the most remedi- 
able." The treatment recommended varies somewhat with 
the length from dilation, belateral operation and amputation. 

It is very apparent with these conditions in mares that 
tlie cervix does not draw down and l)ec()me Hat and open as 
it should do when the vagina "'balloons up,*' or l)econie rigid 
as happens ordinai'ily during copulation. For these reasons 
the cervix is let. projecting into the vagina, often to the ex- 
tend of two or three inches, consequently the glands penis 
j)resses it to orie side during the act of copulation and there 
is little or no chance for the semen to get into the uterus. 
When the pressure is removed the cervix projects into the 
vagina thus preventing the semen fi'om entering. Kight 
here 1 will say that it is not necessary for the cervix to ])e 
tense and closed to prevent the semen getting within the 
uterus, for I have known manv cases where the cervix was 



long-, loose tind liabl)}', with nn opcniiii:- laroc cMouali to ;i(l- 
niit two or three tinoers, jiiul still the niiire fniied to con- 
ceive luitil urtiticial means were used. 

I wish to Slight )>ut two eases of the tense or eloscd ()s, 
one Belvedere l)y Maui])rino Patchen another CJypsy (^ueen 
hy Polanius, and in case of elongated patulous cervix in a 
luare of my own, Mal)el H. 2:2(5, by Col. West, 2571). 

In regard to the first case I will quote from a letter from 
liyron (i. Kiml)all of Maple l\)int Stock Farm, Bradford, 
]Mass. "The mare Belvedere I bought of William Turnlxill 
of New York City, for Col. II. A, Hale, of r)radford, and 
sold her at a sale in Boston, and she was bousht by II. W. 
Phelps of Minneapolis. I had bred this mare, accordino- to 
my books, on an averag'e of twice a month for twenty-seven 
months with Wanler, Hudson and various other stallions. 
1 tried an impregnator on her but it did no aood. It was 
rubber but more bell shaped than yours. 

Also from a letter from O. J. Evans, ^I. 1)., ^linneapolis. 
Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 0th, IsHl. 
C. C. LvFOiu), :M. I)., V. 8. 

Having used your "impreonator" on my Mani- 
brino Patchen mare Belvedere, 19 years old, that was bred 
by Mr. Henry Hale, of Bradford, Mass, to Wardi-r, 1»y Bel- 
mont, and to Hudson by Kentucky Prince, antl b}- II. W. 
Phelps, of Minneapolis, Minn., to Bayardo at least foiu- 
times, all without impregnation, and having succeeded in 
getting her in fold during tirst heat by Bed Chieftain using 
the impregnator, and having used it on several other mares 
that had refused to breed one or more seasons, among them 
Gypsy Queen, by Polanius, she being a mare twelve years 
old and had been bred to ditferent horses at least four sea- 
sons without Ijeing in foal. 



It is rtitional tiH^atinent, being in the nature of a funnel 
to convey the semen into the wonil) where it is necessai}' it 
.should pass in order that it come in contact with the female 
ovule which it must do before impref^nation takes place. 

Truly Yours, 

O. J. EVANS, M. 1). 
P. S. — I omitted to state that Belvedere nor (xvpsy 
Qneen had ever been in foal until this season and both are 

now SIKE. 



Evansdale Stock Farm, Sept. 1st, 1891. 
C. C. Lyford, 

Belvedere had a tind horse colt April 3, '91, Gypsy 
Queen a filly April 13, '91. 

Washburx, Supt. 

Also from F. W. Muckey, Minneapolis, "I owned the 
bay mare, Gypsy Queen, and bred her two years without 
success ; I then sold her to J. K. Sidell of Minneapolis, 
thinking her barren, as she was a young mare and we had 
used every means then known to the profession. Since then 
she has become the property of Dr. O. J. Evans and I un- 
(Un-stand he has l)een unsuccessful until he used yovu" 'Im- 
pregnator,' and with the tirst trial succeeded in getting her 
in foal." 

In the case of Elongated Patulous Cervix of Mabel 11, 
already referred to ; this mare, at the age of live years, had 
a tilly by Phallas 2:13f. The next two years she was 
not stinted but returned to Phallas for the season of 1887 
and 1888, l)ut failed to conceive. On February, 1889, she 
was sent to T. B. Marrett's farm at Rosemont, Minn., and 
was stinted to Nutwood Maml)rino until June 1st, without 
anv good results. June 13th I aofain had her returned to 



Nutwood Miimhrino, iisiiio- uu inipregnator from which 
she conceived, the result being a chestnut horse colt, born 
June 3d, 1890, now registered vol. x, WaUtice Trotting Reg- 
ister as Woodnot, 15234:. 

9. Patulous Os and flaccid or flabby condition of the 
Uteri. 

These cases are very common in mares, generally in 
those which have had colts or aborted, but are sometimes 
seen in mares which have never been in foal, or been stinted. 
The cervix is very loose and flabby, which is often more or 
less associated with a like condition of Vagina and Uterus ; 
the Os at times being so open as to admit the entire hand 
with little or no resistance. I had a case of this kind at the 
Bruce Stock Farm, Rosemont, Minn. The mare had abort- 
ed something over a year before, since which time the}' 
were luiable to get her in foal, She appeared otherwise in 
good health, Avorked every day and kept m good heart and 
flesh. I had the Uterus and Vagina flooded dady for Ave 
weeks with H^'dropult, using for an injection, alternate 
days, carbolic acid 1-100 Mann water, corrosior sublimate 
1-1000. In other cases I have used successfully Tannic Acid 
alternating with Sulp. of Zinc, each dissolved in water. 
This was continued until signs of heat returned the second 
time, when after being stopped, her cervix was swabbed out 
with lodotirno Ointment l-lo, and the third day was serveil. 
The Os was so contracted that the large sized Impregnator 
went in with such diflicuUy as to require use of dilator. When 
examined for treatment her cervix woidd admit, with ease, 
the entire hand. Uterus and Vagina being equally flabby. 
The mare has since failed to receive another embrace though 
repeatedly tried for over three months, and shows everj' 
indications of being in foal. 

Jl 



Another case of this kind was one of my own, Nellie 
Gray, dam of Mabel H., a mare twenty years old, haviug- 
failed to conceive for five years and having aborted six years 
ago, though being repeatedly stinted to various stallions, 
before I purchased her in 1SS9. I had her stinted during 
that season to Col. West, 2579 and during the season of 1890 
to Morrel Tyrant and Greymont, the last two being young 
stallions, but to no avail. During the fall of 1890 I exam- 
ined her, tinding her cervix not only sufficiently open to 
easily admit three lingers, but the cervix was torn on its 
upper portion and on the right side of the Cul-de-sac of Va- 
gina, from the Vagina wall to the Cervix, was a complete 
honey comb, having evidently been lacerated at various times 
during copulation. Having decided to give her tonic treat- 
ment and regular exercise, she was left without further 
stinting until April, 1891, when I examined her and found 
her vaguui and cervix normally contracted and in heat. She 
Avas then stinted to a three year old son t)f Jersey Wilkes 
from which she is now surely in foal. 

Various modes of treatment have been tried for the 
lax weakened condition of cervix and uterus, which may be 
classed as constitutional and local. The former class of re- 
medies I have not given a thorough trial, though the cases 
on which I have used them indicate favorable results. These 
consist of general tonics, especially stimulating and invigor- 
ating aphrodisiacs, such as Phosphorus, Cannalns Indicas, 
Nux Vomica, Ergotine, and Arsenate of Iron. Also Saw 
Palmetto. Local treatment such as swabbing cervix with 
Tr. Iodine and Iodoform, as well as Stiptic, Astrnigent 
and Antiseptic injections have apparently proved beniticial 
in a number of cases. 

I believe that electricity ^\■i 11 prove itself very useful 

1-2 



in these cases, especially when applied locally to the cervix, 
vagina or uterus as cases may require. 

h. Endormetritis lills the uterine canal with a thick 
tenaceous mucous and often prevents the entrance of seminal 
iluid or destroys its vitality. We meet with quite a (rood 
many of these cases in the mare and they vary very materi- 
ally in the consistency of the secretions. Endormetritis and 
resulting Leucorrhoea are the most unsatisfactory diseases 
we have to contend with in the treatment of barreness. In 
the first place it is far from ))eing an agreeable task, and as 
the cases are generally of long standing Avhen we get them 
they are not only the most difficult to cure, but the tune and 
expense ften exceeds the value of the animal. 

The mare, as a rule, is emaciated, can not stand hard 
A\ ork, and though her apetite is often good, fails to put on 
flesh. The discharge is of a viscid, creamy character, often 
with a peculiar odor, that one requires to smell but once to 
remember, especially in any case you may get to attend 
at college and have to depend upon students to assist 3-0 u 
with treatment, particularly the injection, as the smell stays 
by you often for a day or more, no matter how often you 
wash or disinfect. I am glad to say that the balance of ni}' 
cases have been looked after by the owner or persons in 
charge, though it is often a great deal of trouble to get 
them to follow your instructions and get anything like fav- 
orable results. Mineral and vegitable tonics and mineral 
acids generally prove Ijeneficial ; Antiseptic injections, 
not too strong, as there is some danger of over doing ; also 
Per Oxide of Hydrogen. Unless the Os is flaccid and well 
dilated, it is better to keep the parts open to allow drain- 
age ; as I have known of cases where fluid was retained from 
one day to the next, the horns of the uterus often being re- 

13 



Lixcd. 

i. Polipi, Fibroids and ^Sloles are not very common in 
my experience, having met with but three cases, all of them 
])eing outside of cervix and were very easily cured by ex- 
cission, steptic and antiseptic dressiness. 

j. Flexion of Uterus and Cervix is not uncommon. 
In this the Os is turned to one side and durino; copulation it 
Avould be pressed against the wall of the vagina, entirely ob- 
structing the passage to the uterus. 

Huntress, 2:20f is said to be one of this kind, she being 
stinted for a number of years without any results and after- 
wards was examined by R. C. Mason, V. S., of Winona, 
Minn., who reported the case to me as such a decided flexion 
that he was compelled to turn his linger almost at a right 
angle to get it through the cervix. 
k. Very small Os Internum. 

It is a common thing to find barren mares who have 
been continually bred and repeatedly opened by ])reeders, 
stablemen and even veterinary surgeons, without the inner 
portion of the Os being dilated, and at other times a mem- 
brane across the Os Internum which is not ruptured. As 
a consequence they fail to conceive as effectually as if the 
membrane was over the vaginal surface of cervix. 

1. A curtain of membrane, either or both, external or 
internal to cervix. 

A very interesting case of this type came under my 
treatment during the month of July, 1801. The mare was 
sixteen years old and had failed to conceive, though stinted 
repeatedly at different seasons for the past ten years. I had 
known the mare some six years, she having been served ])y 
one of my own stallions during the year of 1886, but had 
given the case no special attention, and at that time knew 

14 



nothing more tluiu tluit she was cliiimed to be very tio^ht by 
the man who dilated her Os. She was given several leaps 
but did not conceive. She had Ijeen stinted about every 
season following to different stallions but to no purpose, 
and Avas sent to Dr. Curryer & Sons' stud at Crystal Lake, 
Minn., with instructions to use inipregnator. The Doctor 
was unable to lind the Os Uteri, it being concealed by folds 
of mucous membrane. I was called to examine the case and 
found a fold of mucous membrane reflected from upper vagi- 
nal surface of the Os. Having passed one linger underneath 
the folds of membrane, with a good deal of difficulty, I suc- 
ceeded in dilating sufficiently to get one tinger through the 
cervix ; I could then easily feel a second membrane at internal 
opening of cervix, but, my tinger not being long enough, or 
the menil)rane was so strong, that I could not tear it. l)y 
taking inipregnator and dilator No. 1 (small size) which is 
al)out one inch longer than my tinger, and passing it through 
the cervix imtil the disk of inipregnator came in contact 
with the vaginal surface of cervix ; I then made a thrust by 
pressure to handle of dialator, at the same time turning it 
laterally ; I then withdrew the dilator leaving the inipreg- 
nator in position. The mare at once by straining, threw off 
at least three pints of a viscid, creamy fluid, which had no 
odor. I then had the uterus injected out, using hydropult 
which was continued daily until appearance of heat returned, 
some two weeks later, She was then served, using the small 
sized inipregnator, and has since passed two or three per- 
iods, or about six weeks, having Veen tried twice a week 
without any signs of returning heat. 

I simply wish to call your attention to the facts con- 
cerning this case. The mare had been repeatedly opened by 
parties who would generally be considered competent judges 

15 



and capable of openino: mares to bred. This mare had been 
examined by a graduate veterinarj^ suro'eon, who also used 
the small sized impregnator, having succeeded in placing it 
without the dilator. The external fold of membrane was 
ruptured but the internal one was not noticed, and though 
the impregnator, to all practical purposes, was properl}^ 
placed, the membrane, not being ruptured, there could be no 
chance of conception so long as it existed. 

Equine Syphilis has proven a great hinderance to breed- 
ing l)y rendering pregnancy both uncertain and unsafe, and 
requires special consideration for which 1 would refer you to 
W. L. Williams articles on Equine Syphilis in American 
Veterinary Review. 

Class No. L'. Causes preventing the production of a heal- 
thy ovum. I will consider but one — that of atrophy of the 
Ovaries, from old age and lack of use, as it will be seen by 
reference that none of these are curable diseases. I wish to 
note but one case, that of a black mare Blanche, 223^, belong- 
ing to me. I bought her in 1887 to experiment on. She 
had never had a foal though bred several seasons. After 
various trials, even l)y injecting semen through the cervix, 
she continued to remain in heat, so that, in December, I de- 
cided to kill her antl hold an autopsy. The uterus, vagina 
and cervix were healthy and, in every way, normal, but on 
examination of ovaries they were found to be pale and atro- 
phied, showing no signs whatever of Graafian Vesicles or 
any indi(^ation of having produced any ovules for months, 
possibly for years. Her teeth marks indicating over twenty- 
live years of age. 

Class No. 3. Causes preventing passage of ovum into 
uterus, such as strictures or obliterations, absence, detach- 
ments and displacements, simply require mentioning to prove 

16 



Iiow certuinly these cuu.si's would prevent conception. 

Class No. -i. Causes destroying vitality of semen, or 
preventing fixation of Impregnated ovum. 

a. Endometritis, corporal or cervical, fills the uterine 
canal with mucus which either prevents the entrance of si'- 
men or destroys its vitality, has already been considered. 

b. Membraneous Dysmenorrhoi^, c Menorrhagia or 
Metrorrhagia, and e. Areolar Hyperplasia, are seldom if 
ever, recognized in mares, hence will be given no further 
consideration in this article. 

d. Abnormal grows of any kinds, which fill the uter- 
ine cavity as for example Fibroid Polypi, &c., ma}- prevent 
attachment of the ovum to the uterus, even if impregnated. 

MALE STERILITY. 

Lack of erectile power in the m;de is not uncommon 
and varies greatly with different stallions, as well as the 
same stallions at different seasons or portions of the same. 
At the beginning of the stud season many stallions fail tt) 
preform service with sufficient ardor, although the}^ ma}- 
have been good coverers seasons previous. This may be 
due to lack of tenacity, from continued non-use, though at 
other times such a state of things follows certain diseases, 
such as Catarrhal Fevers, Distemper and the like, as well as 
attacks of Spinal Meningitis ; in other cases the blood sup- 
ply may be interfered with from partial or complete obstruc- 
tion to one or more of the arteries supplying the penis. 

During the spring of 1886 a stallion was brought to my 
infirmary with apparent paralysis of the penis, the i)art 
hanging pendulous and protruding about six inches. The 
season previous he had covered sixty mares and had gone 
into winter quarters in good condition, but, during the win- 

17 



Ut, Miti'crcd from an uttnck of Calurrhal Fevt'r (Pinkeye) 
(luring Avhieli time the owner reported him as l)a(lly swoUen 
alK)iit the penis and testes. The penis remaining swollen 
and pendulous for weeks. The stallion had already been 
blistered across the back several times. I applied electricity 
to the parts, \vhich would for the time produce partial er- 
ection and so strenthen them as to enable him to withdraw 
it Avithin the sheath, but he never regained power of erec- 
tion, nor afterwards preformed stud service. 

During the spring of 1889 I was consulted regarding a 
stalbon who, the season before, covered forty mares and was 
sold with a warranty of a sure foal getter, ])ut as he would 
not cover a mare at the l>eginning of the stud season, the 
purchaser naturally suspected that he had been cheated. I 
recommended treatment as follows : 

Fl. Ext. Nux Vomica, Liq. Pot. Arsenalis, Fl. Ext. 
Ergot, Ferri Am. Citras, alternating with Phosphide of Zinc 
and Fl. Ext. Sanguinaria. 

The treatment was continued for a short time when the 
animals vigor returned and there was no further trouble that 



season. 



I also had a case of my own ; a four year old stallion 
who had been a good coverer until three years ago Avhen I 
loaned him to serve some mares, at which time he was kicked 
on a front leg and nearly died as a consequence of erysipelas 
and distemper Avhich folloAved. The following season ho 
could scarcely be induced to serve a mare and then all to 
Avhich he Avas stinted failed until using the preceeding 
prescription Avhen he Avas successful in getting all five mares 
in foal, on Avhich he had failed from Feliruary until July, 
though the mares Avere repeatedly served by himduring that 
period. 

18 



1). Absence of spermatozou is not uiicoinmon, especi- 
ally in colts less than two years old, and as ;i rule at any a<2:e 
should tke testicles not appear in their natural locality, the 
scrotum. In Crypsorchids, as a rule, \vlu>ie neither of the 
testicles appear, no spermatozoa is to he found. 

c. Old affi^ is a common cause of impotency, but a o;reat 
(\ea\ can ])e done to tone up the organs and revive the natur- 
al functions, l)y judicial use of some of the remedies that 
prove so beneficial in the lack of erective powers. 

d. Excessive leno^th of penis is far from being' an ad 
vantage either to male or female. Such stallions are seldom 
sure foal o^etters, and often injure the mare durin<y copula- 
tion. I have found it a great advantage in these cases to use 
a shoe l)oil boot as a washer, thus keeping six or eight inches 
of penis outside the vagina, and in many cases it has insured 
foals when the stallion was considered not only unsafe to 
the mai-(^ but uncertain as a foal getter. On tlu^ contrary, a 
stallion with a short penis will cover a greater number of 
mares and succeed in a larger percentage of foal getting. 

During the summer of 1882 I stinted two mares to Sen- 
eca Star, he being a large horse with excessive length of 
penis and a very ardent coverer, though apparently not a 
sure foal getter, besides having injiu'ed several mares and 
killed one by lacerating the fundus of vagina. I decided to 
try him once l)y using a shoe boil pad as washer. The mare 
succeeded in getting in foal at the first service, and another 
mare was stinted without making use of the pad ; though 
returned several times did not get in foal notwithstanding she 
had been a regular breeder before and had a colt by her side. 
The only mare getting in foal that season to Seneca Star, 
Av^as my own on which the pad was used. The next season 



the pud was used in serving niiires to him and us a result he 
^ot .some tAventy mares in foal. 



a. Weakness of Spermatozoa. 

There is little doubt Ihat the vitality of spermatozoa 
differs very materially in different stallions as well as difl'er- 
ent kinds of animals. I have at various times examined 
spermatozoa under the microscope, from different stallions 
after castration ; as a rule havino- a pail of warm water in 
which to place testicles after removino^ them. By so doini>- 
they are all kept in the same atmospheric conditions, the 
only difference being the length of time between the tirst 
and subsequent castrations. When ready to make micro- 
scopic examinations of semen, I would lay the different sets 
of testicles by themselves outside the water and put a spec- 
imen from each set on a glass slide, inider a top cover, and 
examine them at different intervals of lifteen minutes to half 
an hour. During the summer of 1ST7 I made a number of 
these experiments and invariably found that spermatozoa 
from one set of testicles would outlive the others and as 
a rule the stallions whose testicles showed signs of injur>- 
or inffamatory process, the spermatozoa showed less vitalit}-, 
Avhereas the size of the testicle seemed to miike little or no 
difference with the vitality of the semen, both being healthy, 
small or medium sized testicles, as a rule, being less subject 
to injury, especially in stallions that were tracked or given 
hard, fast road work. In one case particularly, when speci- 
mens were examined, the animals having been castrated 
between 8 and 9 a. m. on a moist summer day, the speci- 
mens were prepared and examined between 1> and 9:30 a. m. 
I had occasion to show the specimens to parties as late as 
5 p. in. of the same day, and to my surprise th(; specimen 

20 



from one set of testicles still showed \italily euouirh lo 
move, while all the others showed no sio-ns wliatever of life. 
1 Jim of the belief that, mider favorable circumstances, 
if properly prepared the semen of a stallion can be kept alive 
several days ; and that at some future date we will be able 
to send specimens of semen to be injected instead of sending 
mares to be served. This would. not only save the expense 
and time of shipping the mare, but a single service of a val- 
ual)le stallion could be used to impregnate a number of mares 
by which means a stallion could as easily get two hundred 
colts in each season as fifty by ordinar}^ methods. 



All the ditferent instruments and remedies now adver- 
tised for barrenness in mares 1 present for your consideration. 
These instruments an<l principles indicate idea.s of greater 
or less value, but all point towards one great principal, the 
dilation of the cervix, and retaining it in position. To say 
that one or all of the instruments can prove successful in 
every case, is simply an impossibility ; though I am sorry 
to admit that such advertisments as the following are to be 
found in our stock papers, regarding at least one of them. 
"Barren mares made to breed regularly. All mares made 
to conceive jit first service." 

This makes it practicality non-professional, and is a poor 
recommendation for parties who authorize such statements. 
The Eureka may serve a special purpose in certain cases, 
but is so far from infallible that its claims are not only 
unjust and misleading to l)reeders, but unreliable and mi- 
reasonable. 

The adv^antag^s in favor of this variety over the ordin- 
ary sponge tent, of equal size, are more imaginary than 
real ; The essential parts of both l)eing of the same material 

21 



(.sponge) ; each bus a string attached to its large end, or 
base, to aid its withdrawal when parts are sufficiently dila- 
ted. The price is greatly in favor of the Tent being less 
than one-tenth as expensive. 

Fig. VI, Cut 1, represents the Knight pattern, known 
as the "Eureka Pregnator." Thc^ Eureka requires from 
six to ten hours for expansion, hence the mare must either 
wait or return for service the next day. It is the most ex- 
pensive one of the kind in the market, as each service re- 
quires a new instrument. 

Fig. VI, "Cut 2. — Tlie funnel shaped instrument is 
practically out of use on account of the great difficulty at- 
tached to placing it. The exceedingly wide spreading end, 
that is intended to pass through the cervix, has to be folded 
or rolled very tightly in order to get it into even a fairly 
loose Os, and in cases that are constricted less than to admit 
two fingers it serves little or no purpose ; even should it be 
crowded into the cervix, it can not expand and is either 
thrown out by the mare or works out during the act of co- 
pulation. 

Fig. VI, Cut 3. — The Meddick pattern consists of a 
flat disk, (a.) and a soft rubber tube, the latter surrounded 
b}' convolutions of flanges of rubber, represented like saw 
teeth (C B C B) to retain it in position, and is held in shape 
by a hard rubber tube, (d. ) small enough to pass through the 
others. This is too comphcated to l)e practical even if the 
convolutions were not a source of annoyance in removing it 
from the cervix, besides retaining filth, unless every precau- 
tion in cleaning and disinfecting is followed after each 
service. Besides this a hard rubber tube when the least 
projet'ting (as represented by flange d.) would subject the 
glans penis to more or less pain, if not injiu'v. in proportion 



FKUmE r//. 






CUT 



c\yr ?>. 



# 



CUT 4. 




CUT .". 



CUT C. 



CUT 7. 



CUT S. 



to the closeness of the cover and ardor of the stallion. 

As to my own patterns of Dilators and Impregnators, 
cuts 1, 2, 3, Fig. VII, represent those which have been in 
use for several years. The Impregnator (cuts 2,3.) consist 
of hollow tubes or cones, represented at one-third their real 
size. They are composed of soft rubl)er of sufficient thick- 
ness and firmness to retain its shape and resist the pressure 
of the cervix. The Impregnator, represented by Cut 3, is 
constricted at the disk portion, that it may be self retaining. 
The disk on its posterior surface is made convex, so as to- 
correspond to the urethral sinus of the glans penis, while 
the opening through the disk is sufficiently large to admit 
the projecting end of urethral t\\be. The greatest difficulty 
is to make the two sizes meet all the requirements and vari- 
ations of the cervix, as well as the peculiarities of the stal- 
lion, and the idiosyncrasies of the owner or attendant. In 
certain cases Cut 2, small size Impregnator, proves diffi- 
cult to insert on account of the close, tense Os, but with 
dilator this is quite easily obviated. In other cases Cut 3, 
large size Impregnator, may be too small to be retained and 
may require a larger size. 

Some stallions are especially sensative while covering n 
mare ; generally those stallions whose parts are larger than 
ordinary or those having a big season and are not very anx- 
ious when they find the least interference. To obviate these 
difficulties, I have to present you the new model Impregna- 
tors and Dilator, represented by cuts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, fig. vii, 
one-third their real size. They consist of one size tube 
internally, so that one dilat{»r fits the entire set, while the 
external dimentions correspond to the size of the cervix, 
anywhere from one inch to two and one-fourth inches in di- 
ameter, and from three and one-half to four and one-half 

23 



inches in leno^th, By reference to cut 7, it bein^ a longitu- 
dinal section, it will be seen that the disk consists of a hollow 
air space, as well as the bulb. The disk so closely corres- 
ponds to the Os in pliability that the most irritable stallion 
should fail to perceive the difference, and as a consequence 
makes as close a cover as when no instrument is used. The 
advantages in favor of the tubular variety of impregnators, 
are the close approximation to the normal condition of cer- 
vix during heat, rendering complete — as it does — the com- 
munication between the vagina and uterus, thus assuring 
easy access for the seminal fluid, besides being easily inserted 
and ready for immediate use. Upon withdrawal of the im- 
pregnator the cervix contracts immediately' closing the Os 
so completely that there is little chance for the escape of 
semen, even if mare should strain. They are cheap as one 
will last for years, and can be used on any number of cases. 
The sizes correspond to the different conditions of cer- 
vix, and are easil}' placed in position by means of dilator 
and are entirely safe. 

24 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

llliii 

002 866 647 



